Some women will try natural therapies. Check with your practitioner or caregiver.
Using water
Acupuncture or shiatsu
Cell Salts
Chiropractic or osteopathy
Massage and aromatherapy
Herbal and diet
Homoeopathy
Using water. Being submerged in water can increase your body's ability to produce more urine, giving you some short-term relief to reducing the swelling. Swimming will have the same affect. Be aware though to keep drinking water so you do not become dehydrated.
Acupuncture or shiatsu. Acupuncture, or Shiatsu massage, your practitioner may be able to show you some acupressure points to use in between visits.
Cell salts. Some naturopaths will recommend
Cell salts as a magnesium/phosphorous imbalance may contribute to fluid retention.
Chiropractic or osteopathy. A visit to your chiropractor or osteopath may help, especially if one leg is more swollen than the other possibly because your back and pelvis are out of alignment.
Massage. A massage can be very beneficial. If you don't have the time or can't afford a professional one, ask your partner or friend to massage your legs from the feet upwards with a gel, oil or lotion. When massaging the hands, firmly pressing from the nails to the bases of the fingers.
Aromatherapy. Some aromatherapists will recommend adding geranium to massage oil. They may also suggest adding a few drops of lemon, neroli, orange or pettigrain to a warm bath. Cypress oil used to be recommended but it is now suggested to be avoided, as it may cause vaginal bleeding. Check with your caregiver or aromatherapist before using essential oils.
Herbal and diet. Some herbalists will recommend teas with natural diuretic properties. These can include dandelion, nettle, or yarrow tea. Grapes eaten whole, celery, apples and apple juice are foods that can have the same effect.
Homoeopathy. Your homoeopath may prescribe Natrum muriaticum, Apis mellifica or Phosphorus. See your homoeopath for a remedy.